What this covers
Deck repair is mostly about finding how far the damage goes. Soft boards usually mean wet joists beneath them, and a wobbly railing usually means a post that has rotted at its base or a connection that was never strong. The carpenter probes framing, checks the ledger and its flashing, looks at posts where they meet concrete or ground, and lists what must be replaced. New joists are sistered or replaced, posts reset on proper bases, hardware upgraded to current code, and boards matched or the whole surface replaced where the old boards are near the end. A loose ledger is the one repair that cannot wait.
When to call
- Boards that feel soft, spring underfoot or show dark spots that stay wet.
- A railing that moves when you lean on it.
- A gap opening between the deck and the house.
- Rusted or missing hardware at posts, beams or the ledger.
What to expect
- InspectFraming, ledger, posts, footings and railing are probed and the extent of the damage mapped.
- Open upDamaged boards come up so joists and beams can be seen and measured.
- RebuildFraming is replaced or sistered, hardware upgraded, posts reset and the ledger refastened and flashed.
- Close and checkBoards are replaced, the railing tightened or rebuilt, and the deck tested with you.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Repair or replace?
If the footings, beams and most joists are sound, repair makes sense. If rot has reached the beams or the ledger has been wet for years, a rebuild is usually the better path. An inspection answers it.
Why is the ledger so important?
It carries the house side of the deck. A ledger that is nailed instead of bolted, or that has rotted behind missing flashing, is the most common cause of deck collapse, so it is checked first.
Can new boards match the old?
New wood is lighter than weathered wood for a season or two. Staining the whole deck after repair evens the color.
Related: Deck resurfacing · Deck building · Dry rot repair · All decks, porches and outdoor living
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.